Study shows 43% of workers have dated a co-worker

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, watch out for Cupid's arrow at the office or plant. Forty-three percent of U.S. workers reported they have dated a co-worker. Thirty-four percent of those who coupled up with a fellow employee said they ended up marrying their co-worker. One in 10 respondents said they currently have their eye on someone at work who they would like to date in the near future. This is according to CareerBuilder.com's annual "Office Romance" survey, which was conducted between November 17 and December 11, 2006 and included 6,169 workers.

Thirty-four percent of workers said they had to keep their relationship with a colleague a secret. Twenty-two percent of workers admitted they have dated a colleague who was married, and 27 percent have dated someone who holds a higher position than they do in their organization. Fourteen percent have dated their boss.

Women were more likely than men to date someone higher in their company's hierarchy. Thirty-four percent of women said they have dated someone who holds a higher position in their organization; 21 percent of men admitted they have done the same.

"While office relationships are more accepted today than 10 or 20 years ago, workers need to remember to keep the romance off the clock," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com. "Maintain your professionalism at all times and don't let the relationship affect your performance at work. Seven percent of workers said they have left a job because of a romantic relationship with a co-worker."

Twelve percent of workers said their relationship with a colleague began when they ran into each other outside of work. Other top scenarios where office romances found their spark:

• At lunch (11 percent)
• Happy hour after work (10 percent)
• Late night working (9 percent)